Morgan Meade Sayes

Morgan Meade Sayes: The Man, the Myth, the Legend, or as he referred to himself, "Mr. Wonderful," was born on August 21, 1949, in Loma Linda, California, to Margaret Ann Sayes and Thomas Havard Sayes Jr. Morgan passed away on July 8, 2023, while holding his wife's hand after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Morgan was an Army brat. His father was a career Army officer who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. His brother, Trey, also an Army officer, served in Vietnam. Morgan grew up around the world and graduated from Heidelberg High School in Germany. Morgan eventually made his way to Utah to ski and graduated with a BS degree from Utah State University. Morgan met his wife, Eva, at the Deseret Gym while playing semi-professional racquetball.

Morgan began his career with the Salt Lake City Police Department on September 26, 1982, and spent nearly 32 years serving the community. As with anything in life, Morgan gave his career everything he had. He made incredible friendships, showed his fellow officers not to take the job too seriously, and to make it fun. He told them if they weren't having fun, they were doing it wrong. He worked in Patrol, Vice, Narcotics, COP, SLIC, Bikes, and Drug Interdiction. However, his all-time favorite assignment and passion was his time in SWAT, where he spent nearly 20 years of his career. He also held the position of sergeant over the DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force and finished his career as a patrol supervisor.

Although he loved his career in law enforcement, he loved retirement more. As a retired man, he became a local legend at the gym near his home. He made sure they started on time, the music wasn't too loud, and they stayed on track. He never missed a class. Morgan loved playing racquetball, running, spending time with family, going to the movies, experiencing the "Costco experience," people-watching, and reading and watching anything history-related. He could captivate you for hours with his legendary stories, and you would almost always find him doing just that at any gathering he attended.

Morgan was the master of using bungee cords to strap anything and everything down, even if it didn't need it. His passion for organization was unmatched. Although not always understood, he had anything one might need in life—pencils, notebooks? He had 100; new and used toothbrushes? He's got you; T-shirts, vitamin packs? He had containers inside containers. He loved to be prepared. In fact, his favorite saying was the 7 P's of life. This was uttered daily in the Sayes' household: "Prior proper planning prevents piss-poor performance."

Morgan loved his family more than anything. He loved traveling with his wife, laughing at greeting cards, and just spending time at home; it was his place of peace. Morgan demanded respect from everyone. He was "Father Dearest" to his kids. He came up with that title early on and wished to be addressed that way. He tried doing the same thing with his grandkids by requesting to be called "Grandfather Dearest," but they came up with "Papa Morgan" instead.

His laugh was so infectious. His stories were unforgettable. He could make you love him as well as be furious with him all at the same time. He was the most incredible human being. 

Morgan was preceded in death by his father, Colonel Thomas H. Sayes Jr., his mother, Margaret Ann Sayes, "Robin," and his sister, Cannessa Sayes Davis, "Candy."

Morgan is survived by his wife, Eva Busteed Sayes, and his three children: "favorite" Joshua Reynolds Sayes (Amber), "favorite" Jeremy Busteed Sayes (Monica), and "favorite" Jennifer Robin Garrison (Mick). He is also survived by his brother, Thomas H. Sayes III, "Trey," sister, Summer Sayes Purvis, and his 11 grandchildren: Amaya Kimberlin Sayes, Addison Victoria Sayes, Nolan Joshua Sayes, Nathaniel Havard Sayes, Samara Kanani Sayes, Liam Meade Sayes, Charlotte Malie Sayes, Dean Thomas Garrison, Jack Everett Garrison, Mia Bella Roop (step), and Ledger Gavin Roop (step).

In lieu of funeral services, Morgan's family will hold a celebration of life in his honor at his home, 63 West 780 South, Centerville, Utah, 84014, on his birthday, Monday, August 21st, 2023, at 5 p.m. The street will be blocked off, so please park at the Jr. High or other adjacent streets. They would love to hear your stories and see any pictures you may have of him. Please send any stories or pictures to Jsayes81@gmail.com.